THE WEEKLY: Back to action as Montreal Impact visit Red Bull Arena

Back to action as Montreal Impact visit Red Bull Arena on Saturday

August 19, 2014

New York Red Bulls Communications

NewYorkRedBulls.com

RED BULLS RETURN TO ACTION AGAINST MONTREAL SATURDAY

The New York Red Bulls return to MLS regular season action this week following a bye when they welcome the Montreal Impact to Red Bull Arena on Saturday, August 23 at 7:00 PM (TV: MSG). Despite not playing last weekend, the Red Bulls remain in the Eastern Conference playoff picture in fifth place with a 6-7-10 record and 28 points, one point ahead of New England and Philadelphia.

Saturday marks the second and final meeting between the two clubs this season. New York and Montreal played to a 2-2 draw when the teams first met on April 5 at Olympic Stadium in Montreal. The teams will meet twice more this season in CONCACAF Champions League play on September 17 at Stade Saputo and October 22 at Red Bull Arena.

BACK TO SCHOOL DRIVE

On August 23rd outside the gates, the New York Red Bulls will be collecting back to school items for the Harrison Education Foundation. Items that are needed are:

Bradley Wright-Phillips scored the game-winning goal against New England on August 2 at Red Bull Arena in a 2-1 win. The goal was Wright-Phillips’ league-leading 18th of the season and his sixth goal in his last eight MLS regular-season appearances.

The Englishman, who currently leads the MLS Golden Boot race, is one goal away from tying New York’s single-season goal scoring record currently held by Juan Pablo Angel who scored 19 goals in 2007. Kenny Cooper scored 18 goals as well in 2012 for New York. Wright-Phillips has 11 regular-season games remaining to break Angel’s single-season record.

REGULAR-SEASON MATCHES HEATING UP AS PLAYOFF RACE TIGHTENS

With 11 regular-season games remaining, the New York Red Bulls currently sit alone in the fifth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Starting this Saturday against Montreal, New York plays five straight contests against Eastern Conference foes through September 13. Following that five-game stretch, the Red Bulls host Seattle and head to LA for their final meeting against Western Conference competition before four more matches against the East to end the regular season.

Below is a breakdown of the Red Bulls contests for the remainder of the season. Eight of New York’s 11 remaining games come against teams currently in a playoff position.

On Tuesday, August 19, New York Red Bulls fans will have the chance to meet their heroes at the Adidas Sport Performance store in SOHO from 7:30 – 9:00. General admission wristbands are required for entry and are now available at the adidas Sport Performance store when you purchase $75.00 dollars or more of Red Bulls merchandise, while supplies last.

Please note, wristbands do not guarantee access, all access is determined by store capacity between the hours of 7:30 PM and 9:00 PM. While best efforts will be made to provide entry to all wristbanded fans, access will be granted on a first come, first served basis. Media members planning to attend should contact the Red Bulls Communications department for more information.

SAER SENE JOINS THE RED BULLS IN TRADE WITH NEW ENGLAND

The New York Red Bulls acquired forward Saer Sene and an international roster slot from the New England Revolution via trade on August 12. In exchange for Sene, the Red Bulls sent forward Andre Akpan and allocation money to New England.

Sene, who has spent his first three seasons in MLS with New England, has scored 17 career goals while adding eight assists. In 2012, his first season with the club, Sene led the team in scoring with 11 goals to go along with three assists.Before joining MLS, Sene spent eight seasons between France and Germany playing for Paris Saint Germain B, FC Etampes, SG Schorndorf, SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach and Bayern Munich II.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

The Red Bulls open play in the 2014 CONCACAF Champions League on August 26 when they host C.D. FAS of the Salvadorian Premier Division at Red Bull Arena. Along with C.D. FAS, the Red Bulls have drawn with the Montreal Impact of MLS in Group 3 of the Champions League. Get all the information in regards to Champions League action here.

RED BULLS NEAR TOP OF THE CHART IN ASSISTS

Through Week 23 of the 2014 MLS season, the Red Bulls are second in the league in assists. Along with being second in the league in team assists, the Red Bulls have the individual assists leader, Thierry Henry (10), as well. Henry is the only player in MLS to eclipse the double-digit mark in assists this season. Eric Alexander and Lloyd Sam are tied for second on the team and tenth in the league with seven assists each.

Entering Week 24 of the MLS regular season, three Red Bulls players lead the league in goals, assists and saves. Bradley Wright-Phillips leads the Golden Boot race with 18 goals, two ahead of Kansas City’s Dom Dwyer. Thierry Henry’s four assists in his last seven games has him first in assists with 10. Luis Robles (82 saves) is two ahead of Donovan Ricketts (80 saves) for the league lead. LINK:MLS STATISTICS